Barracuda MCS – more than camouflage

News

11 June 2012

Saab Barracuda has developed and improved Barracuda MCS; Mobile Camouflage Systems; to become a flexible solution providing multispectral protection against detection, identification and climate control for vehicles and equipment.

Focusing on partnerships Due to its unique flexibility the Barracuda MCS with integrated heat reduction system (CoolCam) is an ideal solution for working in partnerships with vehicle manufacturers on the defence market. At Eurosatory 2012 this is displayed as part of the Saab stand as well as in our partners’ stands.

Combat proven system Over the years defence forces around the world have focused on hiding their positions in order to avoid being detected and identified by their enemies. With the rapid development of sensor technologies this is more important than ever. Also, today many military operations are located to areas of the world where hot climate puts a lot of strain on personnel, vehicles and equipment.

The Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) is essentially a tailor-made, multi-purpose, Combat Vest enhancing survivability, sustainability and the logistics of a vehicle or platform relative a specific operational environment/requirement.

The Barracuda MCS/CoolCam is a combat proven system already in use with many armed forces around the world.

Barrcudas portfolio of Signature Management solutions will be displayed at Eurosatory 2012 at Saab Stand 268 (Aisle D), in Hall 6. At the event you will also be able to see many OEM platforms are equipped with Barracuda MCS/CoolCam. Please contact Saab for more information.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

More detailed description of Barracuda MCS/CoolCam

Over the years defence forces around the world have focused on hiding their positions in order to avoid being detected and identified by their enemies.

As sensors and weapons are becoming increasingly smarter, hot surfaces along with large radar cross sections make military vehicles highly exposed to sensors, target acquisition systems and smart ammunition. Vehicles therefore require advanced signature management equipment in order to achieve sufficient protection against detection and identification. Many military operations are today located to areas of the world where hot climate puts a lot of strain on personnel, vehicles and equipment. Facing many problems such as quick adaption to mission and theater, heat build-up, increased fuel consumption, logistics, short service intervals for filters, engine caused by dust etc.

Saab Barracuda has developed and improved a flexible solution providing multispectral protection against detection and identification for vehicles and equipment and gives defence forces many advantages tactically and operationally.

The Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) is essentially a tailor-made, multi-purpose, Combat Vest enhancing survivability, sustainability and the logistics of a vehicle or platform relative a specific operational environment/requirement.

Saab Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) is intended primarily for protection of vehicles during movement and in combat and helps the vehicle to blend in with the surroundings. The Mobile Camouflage System is a flexible solution which can be applied in a number of configurations using different types of materials.

Visual and Near Infrared. The non-glossy and 3-dimensional surface structure of the MCS helps the vehicle blend in with the surroundings and obstructs visual detection. Colours, near infrared values and pattern can be adapted to the environmental conditions of the intended region. Conspicuous parts of the vehicle can be furnished with additional contour disrupters.

Thermal Infrared. The thermal infrared properties are adapted to obstruct thermal reconnaissance and reduce the risk of detection in all climate conditions. The thermal properties provide protection against thermal imagers and other related threats, such as heat seeking missiles.

Climate control Saab Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) with integrated heat reduction system (CoolCam) effectively reduces heat build-up from solar loading and environmental heat while operating in hot climate conditions. Minimizes the effects of solar loading passively, radically lowering the vehicle inner temperature, creating better conditions for both personnel and electronic equipment and preventing the ballistic effects from temperature changes and shortens time for cooling down to operational temperature and lowering fuel consumption by minimizing the fuel used for cooling.

Other features The system is optimized in color, design and properties and can be adapted to any mission and theater in hours and enhancing mission specific capability by the pallet of integrated features, as carrying system, shade net and shelters.

The System provides simplified logistics and the vehicle can be prepared for training or any mission in any environment in hours without repainting or mounting complex add-ons as extra air condition.

Barracuda MCS prevents dust and is designed to control the airflow around the vehicle to optimize visibility and minimizing service intervals for filters, engine and chassis.

Furthermore, Barracuda MCS is designed to not degenerate the operational use or features of the original vehicle configuration. On the contrary, the Barracuda System is a second protective skin designed to enhance the operation of the vehicle. The system core consists of interlocked panels, attached to the vehicle by a variety of techniques, none of which require modification to the vehicles.

Barracuda MCS can be complemented with Shading Umbrella. The multispectral umbrella system obstructs thermal and visual reconnaissance by enemy forces, including snipers, while allowing outward observation by the user. The system also offers shade and significantly reduces solar heating. Additionally, the Umbrella is lightweight, offers rapid deployment and stowage, and has been proven on a variety of vehicles.

The system can also be complemented with Vehicle Load Carriage System. The Vehicle Load Carriage System offers an easy way of stowing extra material such as ammunition, water or personal equipment on the outside of the vehicle. The system consists of a series of straps that are sewn on the MCS/CoolCam, and to which pouches and bags of all different sizes can be attached.

The MCS/CoolCam system from Saab Barracuda is a combat proven system and now in use by many armed forces around the world.

Related news & stories

As I am writing this, it’s mid-January and for the first time in a fortnight the sun is actually shining in London. Sometimes it hits me how much have happened the last five months, and I can hardly describe how pleased I am working in such an exciting line of business.